Playpens are a convenient of way of giving your baby a bit of room to move around and play, while also keeping them in a confined space where they are not in danger of crawling or rolling away. This is ideal when you need to perform a task that requires at least some of your attention, like cooking dinner or entertaining a guest. However, before using a playpen it is very important to ensure that it has been safely set up .

Steps

Part 1

Buying a Playpen

1

Use playpens for babies from six months on. Playpens are most useful for babies from about six to seven months old, just when they are beginning to crawl. However, you should feel free to buy a playpen before your baby reaches this age, so she can get used to it early.

2

Think about the playpen’s uses. Make a list of the reasons you would need a playpen. Where and when do you intend you use it? Is it just for use on vacation, or do you intend to use it at home too?

If you really feel like you would get use out of a playpen, go ahead and buy one. Otherwise it will just be taking up space in your home.

3

Always look for safety labels and certification upon buying a playpen. Read more about the manufacturers to know if the playpen has passed all of the required safety standards.

Always check for JPMA. The playpen that you are going to buy and use must be JPMA Certified. This acronym stands for Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.

Look for the JPMA seal which indicates that the product has been sample tested and has passed the standards for safe use.[1]

4

Consider buying a second-hand playpen. Although you might be able to find a second-hand playpen for considerably cheaper than a new one, it's very important that you inspect it thoroughly to ensure it fits all of the required safety measures.

Part 2

Setting Up the Playpen

1

Read the owner’s manual carefully. This will help you to safely set up the playpen. If you notice any missing parts or damage to the playpen, call the manufacturers immediately. You should also call them if you have questions or concerns.

Another important point is to make sure that the playpen you are using was not subjected for a recall.

2

Measure the playpen's height. The minimum height requirement for the sides of the playpen is 20 inches (51 centimeters) above the floor. This will keep the baby safe inside.

If, when using the playpen, you notice that your baby can already climb out, discontinue use of playpen. This usually happens when your baby reaches a height of 34 inches (86 centimeters) or a weight of 30 pounds (14 kilograms).

3

Choose a playpen with tight mesh. If the walls of the playpen are made from mesh, the holes or weave should be really small. The openings should not be larger than 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters). This will prevent your baby from getting his small fingers (or any buttons on clothes or toys) stuck inside the holes.

Be aware that playpens with drop-side mesh must never be left in a lowered position, as the baby could be trapped between the mesh side and the floorboard.

Regularly check the mesh. It must be securely fastened to both the top rail and floor plate and it must not have any loose threads, breaks, holes, or tears to avoid strangulation. Replace or repair the damaged parts.

4

Check the slat spaces of wooden playpens. The amount of space in between the slats should measure no more than 2 3/8 inches (5.08 centimeters or 60 mm) in width. This prevents the baby's head from becoming trapped, and possible strangulation.

Always check for loose or missing slats and make sure that all slats are securely fastened.

5

Avoid playpens with hinges or sharp edges. The top rails of the playpen must be padded and must not have any rotating hinges. Corners, sides, and tops should also be padded. This will prevent your baby from getting possible bumps and bruises from hitting hard surfaces.

Also check for any sharp edges or hinges in the playpen. These can cut, scrape, or pinch your baby’s skin or fingers.

The top rails of the playpen should lock automatically when they are lifted into position.

6

Measure the pad or mattress at the bottom of the playpen. The mattress or pad at the bottom of the playpen should be at least 1 inch thick and should be sturdy and stable.

There must not be any gaps between the sides of the mattress and the playpen, as your baby could roll into the space between the mattress and the side of the playpen, which could be dangerous.

Remember that the mattress usually cannot be replaced as it will be very difficult to find a new mattress that fits the playpen correctly.

Part 3

Using the Playpen Safely

1

Make sure that locks are not within the baby’s reach. Any locks must be securely fastened at all times to prevent them from collapsing while the baby is in the playpen, as this could cause serious injury.

2

Check the floor of the playpen. Ensure that there has been no damage due to wear and tear and make sure that no small parts of the playpen have come loose. Baby's like to explore by putting things in their mouth, so it's important to inspect the playpen regularly for potential choking hazards.

3

Avoid putting things inside the playpen. Don't leave items like soft bedding, mattresses, folded quilts, pillows, and stuffed toys in the playpen with the baby, or at least not while the baby is unattended, as these items pose possible suffocation hazards might cause suffocation for your baby.

Soft bedding can also be a cause of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome due to suffocation.[2]

Never leave or tie string toys in the playpen, as these pose a strangulation risk for your baby. For the same reason, do not also place the playpen near windows or blinds that have strings or cords.

4

Never leave your baby unattended in the playpen. There must always be an adult supervising the baby while he is in the playpens. Playpens should only be used for short periods of time to keep the baby in one place (and prevent him from crawling or rolling off) while you are busy with certain tasks, such as preparing his baby food or getting dressed.

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Tips

Before leaving your baby inside the playpen, check his clothing. His clothing must not have any loose threads, strings, or cords, as these are a strangulation hazard.

Babysitters, caregivers, and other family members must know how to operate the playpen. They must also be taught how to safely set up the playpen in case you are not around. Improper setup can lead to injuries.

Warnings

Avoid using hand-me-downs playpens, as these may be damaged in a way you cannot see, but which still compromises the safety of your baby. It is recommended that you buy a newer model of playpen that is still being manufactured, since these are usually up to date with current safety standards.